PETER Cavanagh had the joy of lifting three trophies for Accrington Stanley in their treble cup success of last season.

Now the skipper has just one piece of silverware he wants this season - the UniBond Premier League title.

It is early days but the former Liverpool trainee can't help but get slightly carried away by the seven consecutive wins the Reds have had to start this season as they make a charge for the Nationwide Conference.

And they aim to make it eight tonight when unbeaten Barrow visit the Crown Ground.

"We knew we needed a good start but it has just gone on from there. I don't think any of us expected this. It has been better than we could have hoped for," said the 22-year-old.

Last season Stanley perhaps lacked the bit of experience to dig them out of holes in games but this season, with the addition of the likes of former League players Mike Marsh and Mark Sertori, it is not proving a problem.

"Last season we went 1-0 down at Colwyn Bay and lost 3-0. This season we went 1-0 down and won 2-1. That is the difference now.

"We have the experience of Marshy and Carlo and there is also Dean Calcutt and Barry Shuttleworth who have been added to the squad.

"It is great being captain to the likes of those. Marshy has done it all. I try to tell him what to do but I don't think he listens! I will keep trying though."

The captain opened his account for this season with two goals in Saturday's 4-1 win over pre season title favourites Stalybridge Celtic.

"The first goal was special," he laughed. "They were pressing a bit because it was 2-1 and I took a free kick.

"Their goalkeeper thought it was going to go over the wall and I put it into the top corner of the net. I enjoyed that!

"The second one was a bit of Lutel James magic. It was his trademark back flick and I think everyone in the ground knew what he was going to do except the defender! I just finished it off.

"It took me seven games to score last season as well. Then I went onto get five goals and I would be happy with another five again this season."

But what the captain doesn't want is bookings. He picked up 14 cautions last season and could be out of pocket if he does it again.

"Last year I had a poor disciplinary record and the chairman Eric Whalley has had a bet with me. He said that I would pick up eight. I said I wouldn't and it wouldn't be a problem. So far it is two goals and no cautions so I have got to be happy."

He will be hoping to make sure he stays on the right side of the referee when Barrow make the trip tonight - with a bumper crowd of more than 1000 expected.

Stanley beat Barrow in the Lancashire Marsden Cup final last season as the Reds went on to lift the UniBond League Cup and the Challenge Shield.

"We have the upper hand having beat them in the cup final," admitted Cavanagh. "The other teams have got the pressure now to try and beat us.

"Hopefully we'll just play as well again."

Former Liverpool ace Marsh is apparently claiming that the Reds will be up by Christmas.

"He said that and it would be nice. He has been there and done it so he can say what he wants.

"But we have got to make sure we are there or thereabouts around December.

"I would love to get back into the Football League and I would love to get back with Accrington Stanley."

Barry Shuttleworth is not fit for tonight's clash after an injury at Harrogate a couple of games ago while Dave Robinson is struggling to be fit.

Meanwhile striker Lee Buggie has moved on loan to NWCL Division One league leaders Clitheroe.

The former Bury frontman came to the Crown Ground last season but has struggled to make an impact in the first team.

"He just wanted to play, he needed a few games so it was ideal for him to go there and we can get him back if needed," said manager John Coleman.

Buggie got his first goal for his new club last night.

It is a similar situation to Dave Gray who, after being at Stanley pre season, is now at Nelson and has banged home nine goals so far this season.

Kick off at the Crown Ground is 7.45pm.

HIGH HOPES: For Accrington Stanley skipper Peter Cavanagh

COLNE are in action tonight looking to bounce back from their late loss to rivals Bacup on Saturday.

The NWCL Division Two team welcome last season's champions Stand Athletic to Holt House.

Kick off in both games is 7.45pm.